Day 020 - 28 Jul 94 - Page 06

     
     1
         Q.   They were in breach of that code.  I realise it is not a
     2        law, but it is in breach of the code.
 
     3   MR. RAMPTON:  One needs to read the whole of the paragraph.
 
     4   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Can you point me to where you are on the
              page?
     5
         MS. STEEL:   Number 24.
     6
         MR. JUSTICE BELL:  What do you say about the complete paragraph
     7        24, as to whether Sun Valley were complying with that?
              A.  They had a shackle line which descends as it
     8        approaches the water bath, so they were complying with the
              first part of the second sentence.  My own view is that is
     9        ineffective.  The second part of the second sentence is
              not relevant to prestun shocks where the bird makes
    10        contact with the water.  It is where the ramp is not
              electrically isolated, it is not relevant to this
         discussion quite at this moment.
 
    12   MS. STEEL:   But the important part is the first part because
              they had a system which they knew was causing prestun
    13        shocks in the bird and the codes of practice say that is
              unacceptable and it must be corrected.
    14
         MR. JUSTICE BELL:  That is a fault which appears in a system as
    15        a whole, not just a system which happens to have a
              mechanical or electrical fault in it?
    16        A.  That is a general requirement.
 
    17   MR. RAMPTON:  Ultimately, the construction of this document,
              and its true application and meaning, will be a matter for
    18        your Lordship.
 
    19   MS. STEEL:   I think you said that it is the causing of
              unnecessary pain or distress to chickens during slaughter
    20        is actually illegal under the Slaughter of Poultry (Humane
              Conditions) Regulations in 1984?
         A.  I am not familiar with that regulation.  Could you
              repeat that regulation?
    22
         Q.   I think it is actually repeated on page 312 of this
    23        document -- I think you said it already actually.  You see
              under No. 4 on that page, "It is an offence to subject the
    24        birds to unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress from the
              time of arrival at the slaughter house to the time of
    25        death"?
              A.  Yes. 
    26 
         Q.   On page 319 it does give the reference to where that comes 
    27        from?
              A.  Yes.
    28
         Q.   Which was the Act I referred to.  Do you know whether Sun
    29        Valley have done anything about this now?
              A.  I do not know.
    30
         Q.   How many days a week does Sun Valley slaughter poultry, do